When you hear "virtual fundraising," your mind probably jumps to a livestreamed gala or an online auction. While those are great, they only scratch the surface of what's possible. A modern virtual fundraising event platform is less about a single night and more about building a year-round community. It’s a strategic tool for turning your anonymous social media followers into named, engaged supporters through ongoing, one-to-one conversations. By meeting people where they already are—in their direct messages—you can nurture relationships, drive event registrations, and create a sustainable pipeline of support that extends far beyond a one-time event. It’s about transforming your digital presence into a powerful fundraising engine.
Key Takeaways
- Make giving effortless and engaging: Your platform's most important job is to provide a simple, secure donation process that works flawlessly on any device. Use interactive tools like live chat and polls to create a shared experience that makes supporters feel like active participants, not just viewers.
- Match the platform to your primary goal: Before you compare features, define what success looks like for your nonprofit. Whether your objective is acquiring new donors, deepening community engagement, or hosting a flawless gala, your goals should guide your choice and ensure you select a true partner, not just a piece of software.
- Plan for the entire event lifecycle: A successful fundraiser depends on a strong strategy for before, during, and after the event. Build excitement with a solid promotion plan, keep your audience involved during the live stream, and use personalized follow-up to turn one-time attendees into lasting supporters.
Why Your Nonprofit Needs a Virtual Fundraising Platform
Let's be honest: connecting with donors isn't as simple as it used to be. Email open rates are dropping, and your supporters are spending their time scrolling through social media, not waiting by their mailboxes. A virtual fundraising platform is your bridge to meeting them where they are. It’s more than just a tool for hosting an online event; it’s a central hub for engaging your community, simplifying the donation process, and building real relationships in a digital world. These platforms are essential for any nonprofit looking to build 1:1 relationships at scale where supporters are already active.
These platforms extend your reach far beyond geographical limits, allowing anyone, anywhere, to support your cause. They also streamline the entire fundraising process, from event registration to post-event thank-yous, freeing up your team to focus on what truly matters: your mission. Think of it as the digital headquarters for your campaign. By bringing your fundraising efforts online, you create an accessible, engaging experience that can turn passive social media followers into active, committed donors. It’s about making giving easy and making your supporters feel like a valued part of your community, no matter where they are. This approach helps you tap into new audiences and re-engage existing ones in a format they prefer.
Core Features
The best virtual fundraising platforms are packed with features designed to make your event a success. Think of them as your digital event toolkit. You’ll find interactive fundraising tools like live donation thermometers and real-time updates that build excitement and encourage giving. Many platforms also offer essentials for virtual galas, such as mobile bidding for online auctions, which allows guests to participate right from their phones. Beyond the event itself, these platforms provide robust back-end support, including customizable donation pages, automated receipts, and clear reporting dashboards. This combination of front-end engagement and back-end efficiency is what makes them so powerful.
How They Help You Raise More
A virtual fundraising platform isn't just about replicating an in-person event online—it's about creating a new, dynamic way to connect with donors and maximize your impact. These tools remove friction from the giving process, making it incredibly simple for someone to donate the moment they feel inspired. With features like personalized video messages and seamless social sharing, you can shatter your fundraising goals by creating a more personal and compelling experience. By effectively using the digital landscape, you can reach a wider audience, nurture relationships with automated yet personal communication, and build a sustainable pipeline of new supporters from the community you already have online.
Essential Features for Virtual Fundraising
When you're comparing virtual fundraising platforms, the sheer number of features can feel overwhelming. But a few key capabilities truly make the difference between a clunky experience and an event that donors love. Focusing on these essentials will help you cut through the noise and find a platform that not only meets your needs but helps you build stronger connections with your supporters.
Live Streaming and Event Management
A great virtual event makes your audience feel like they’re right there with you. That’s where live streaming comes in. The ability to broadcast your event in real-time creates a sense of urgency and community, allowing guests to watch, bid, and donate from anywhere. But streaming is just one piece. Look for platforms with strong event management tools that simplify the entire process, from creating registration pages and sending reminders to managing guest lists. This lets you focus on your message and your mission, not the behind-the-scenes logistics.
Seamless Donation Processing
The most important moment of your event is when a supporter decides to give. A complicated donation process is the fastest way to lose that momentum. Your platform must offer a seamless, secure, and incredibly simple way to donate. This means accepting multiple payment types, like credit cards and digital wallets, and having a clean, mobile-friendly donation form that takes seconds to complete. Features like automated tax receipts also save your team valuable time after the event. The goal is to make giving so easy that your donors don't have to think twice about it.
Interactive Engagement Tools
Keeping an online audience engaged is the secret to a successful virtual fundraiser. Passive viewing leads to drop-offs, but interaction builds excitement. Look for platforms that offer tools to bring your audience into the event. Features like live chat, Q&A sessions, and real-time polls can spark conversation and create a shared experience. Displaying a live donation thermometer or shouting out donors as they give adds a layer of fun and social proof, encouraging others to join in. These tools transform your event from a simple broadcast into a dynamic, community-driven moment.
Actionable Analytics and Reporting
Your fundraising event doesn't end when the live stream does. The data you collect is invaluable for building long-term relationships and planning your next campaign. A solid platform will provide you with actionable analytics and clear reports. You should be able to easily see who attended, who donated, how much they gave, and which parts of your event sparked the most engagement. This information helps you understand your donors on a deeper level, allowing you to make smarter, data-informed decisions for future fundraising efforts.
Mobile-First Experience
Your supporters are on the go, and they’ll likely be joining your event from their phones. A platform that isn’t designed for mobile is a non-starter. Every aspect of the event, from watching the stream to making a donation, must be effortless on a smaller screen. This means clean layouts, large buttons, and simple navigation. A true mobile-first experience ensures that you’re not putting up barriers for your donors. When your event is just as compelling on a phone as it is on a desktop, you maximize your reach and your fundraising potential.
Security and Compliance
Trust is the foundation of any donor relationship. Your supporters are trusting you with their sensitive payment and personal information, and your platform must protect it. Look for a provider that is fully PCI compliant to ensure all transactions are processed securely. Beyond that, be clear on the platform’s data privacy policies. It’s also important to understand the fee structure. Transparent pricing without hidden costs is a sign of a trustworthy partner who is invested in your success, not just in processing fees.
The Best Virtual Fundraising Platforms, Reviewed
Choosing the right platform is a big decision, but you’ve got plenty of great options. Each one has its own strengths, so the "best" choice really depends on your specific event goals, audience, and budget. Some platforms are all-in-one event management powerhouses, while others specialize in building long-term donor relationships through different channels. Let's walk through some of the top contenders to see what makes them stand out and help you find the perfect fit for your nonprofit's next virtual fundraiser.
GoodUnited
GoodUnited takes a different approach by focusing on where your supporters already spend their time: social media. Instead of just being a platform for a single event, it’s a solution for building one-to-one relationships at scale through direct messaging. You can use it to turn your anonymous social media followers into named, engaged donors before, during, and after your virtual event. It’s perfect for driving event registrations, sending reminders, and stewarding donors through personalized, automated conversations. If your goal is to build a sustainable fundraising pipeline from your social audience and not just host a one-off event, GoodUnited is designed to fill that gap.
OneCause
If you’re looking for a versatile and user-friendly platform to manage your event from start to finish, OneCause is a fantastic choice. It’s built to be flexible for all kinds of events, whether you’re hosting a virtual gala, an online auction, or a golf outing. As OneCause notes, its platform is designed to help you "host memorable events." It excels at streamlining the logistics of online and hybrid fundraising, offering features like mobile bidding, online ticketing, and text-to-donate. It’s a strong, all-around platform for nonprofits that want a reliable and comprehensive tool for their signature fundraising events.
Givebutter
Givebutter has made a name for itself with its modern, user-friendly interface and a transparent, donor-covered fee model, making it a very accessible option. It’s packed with features that make virtual fundraising feel fresh and engaging, including customizable fundraising pages, livestreaming capabilities, ticketing, and silent auctions. Givebutter is a great fit for nonprofits that want a powerful, all-in-one platform without a hefty price tag. Its fun and interactive elements, like live fundraising tickers and donor feeds, can create a real sense of community and excitement during your virtual event.
MobileCause
As the name suggests, MobileCause is all about leveraging the power of mobile devices for fundraising. This platform is a leader in text-to-donate campaigns and mobile-first communication, making it incredibly easy for supporters to give from anywhere, at any time. If your audience is always on the go, MobileCause provides the tools to reach them effectively through text messaging, mobile-responsive donation pages, and event reminders sent straight to their phones. It’s an excellent choice for live virtual events where you want to capture in-the-moment generosity with simple, immediate calls to action.
Qgiv
Qgiv is a comprehensive fundraising platform that can handle much more than just a single virtual event. It offers a robust suite of tools that includes peer-to-peer fundraising, auctions, event management, and customizable donation forms. Qgiv is known for its scalability and outstanding customer support, making it a solid partner for growing nonprofits that need a platform that can evolve with them. If you’re looking for a long-term solution that can support a variety of fundraising campaigns and provide deep insights into donor behavior, Qgiv has the features and the team to back you up.
PayBee
PayBee is an all-in-one software designed to simplify the technical side of running a fundraising event. According to PayBee, it’s built to help charities "run fundraising events...held in person, online (virtual), or a mix of both." The platform focuses on making the entire process seamless, from ticketing and guest check-in to managing auctions and processing donations. It’s particularly strong for events with an auction component, offering features like mobile bidding and automated checkout. If your main priority is a smooth, hassle-free operational experience for both your team and your guests, PayBee is definitely worth a look.
GoFundMe Charity
GoFundMe Charity combines the powerful fundraising software of Classy with the massive brand recognition and reach of GoFundMe. This platform, now known as GoFundMe Pro, gives nonprofits access to sophisticated tools for ticketing, event management, and peer-to-peer campaigns while tapping into a trusted name in online giving. This can be a huge advantage for attracting new donors who are already familiar with and trust the GoFundMe brand. It’s a great option for organizations that want to leverage a well-known platform to build credibility and extend their reach beyond their existing supporter base.
Breaking Down Platform Costs and ROI
Choosing a virtual fundraising platform is a big decision, and the price tag is a major factor. But it’s not just about finding the cheapest option—it’s about finding the one that delivers the best return on your investment. The right platform isn't an expense; it's a tool that should help you raise more money, engage more supporters, and save your team valuable time. To figure out the true cost, you need to look beyond the monthly fee and understand the entire pricing structure, including transaction fees and any potential hidden costs.
Think about the value you're getting. A platform that helps you build meaningful, one-on-one relationships with donors can lead to higher retention and more recurring gifts. For example, by meeting supporters in their social media DMs, you can create a personal connection that a simple donation form can't replicate. When you evaluate platforms, consider how their features will help you achieve your specific fundraising goals. A higher upfront cost might be worth it if it leads to a significant increase in donations and stronger supporter relationships down the line.
Common Pricing Models
When you start comparing platforms, you'll notice a few common pricing structures. Some platforms charge a flat monthly or annual subscription fee. This model is often best for organizations that run multiple campaigns and events throughout the year, as it provides predictable costs. Others use a per-event pricing model, which can be a good fit if you only host one or two major virtual events annually. Finally, some platforms are "free" but take a percentage of the donations you raise. While this lowers the barrier to entry, those percentage fees can add up quickly, especially during a successful campaign. It's crucial to calculate which model makes the most financial sense for your nonprofit's activity level.
What to Know About Transaction Fees
No matter which platform you choose, you’ll almost always encounter payment processing fees. These aren't typically charged by the fundraising platform itself but by the third-party processor that handles the credit card transactions, like Stripe or PayPal. The standard rate is usually around 2.9% plus $0.30 per donation. Some platforms may add their own small percentage on top of this. A key feature to look for is the ability for donors to cover these fees. When supporters opt to add a few extra dollars to their gift to cover the cost, 100% of their intended donation goes directly to your mission. This small feature can make a huge difference to your bottom line.
Watch Out for Hidden Costs
It’s easy to be drawn in by a low monthly price, but be sure to ask about any other potential costs. Some platforms have hidden fees that can catch you by surprise. These might include a one-time setup fee, extra charges for essential features like custom branding or access to donor data, or higher rates for premium customer support. You might also find limits on the number of contacts, events, or emails you can send before you’re bumped into a more expensive plan. Before you sign any contract, ask for a complete and transparent breakdown of all potential costs so you can budget accurately and avoid any unexpected bills.
How to Plan Your Budget
To create a realistic budget, start by outlining your needs and fundraising goals. How many virtual events do you plan to host this year? What’s your target fundraising amount? Answering these questions will help you determine which pricing model is the best fit. From there, you can calculate the total estimated cost, including the platform fee and anticipated transaction fees. Don’t forget to factor in the value of your team’s time. A platform that automates communication and simplifies event management can free up staff to focus on building donor relationships. For more help with planning, check out our Facebook Challenges Playbook for a step-by-step guide.
How to Choose the Right Platform for Your Nonprofit
With so many virtual fundraising platforms on the market, picking the right one can feel overwhelming. The truth is, there’s no single "best" platform—only the one that’s best for your organization. The key is to find a solution that aligns with your specific goals, fits your team’s workflow, and creates a smooth experience for your supporters. Think of it less like shopping for software and more like hiring a new team member. You want a partner that’s reliable, easy to work with, and ready to grow with you. Let’s walk through the five key areas to consider so you can make a choice with confidence.
Define Your Fundraising Goals
Before you even look at a demo, take a step back and get crystal clear on what you want to achieve. Are you aiming to raise a specific dollar amount for a new program? Is your main objective to acquire a new generation of donors? Or maybe you want to deepen engagement with your existing community. Your goals will act as your compass. For example, if donor engagement is your top priority, you’ll want a platform with robust interactive features like live chat and polls. If you’re focused on reaching new audiences, look for tools with built-in social sharing and peer-to-peer fundraising capabilities. Clearly defining your fundraising goals is the most critical first step in finding a platform that will actually help you meet them.
Review the Technical Requirements
A platform can have all the bells and whistles, but if it’s a headache for your team or your donors to use, it won’t be effective. Make sure the platform you choose meets your technical needs. Is it intuitive for your staff to set up and manage an event? More importantly, is the donation process simple and frictionless for your supporters? A complicated or slow interface can lead to abandoned donations. You should also confirm that the platform can handle your expected number of participants without crashing. The last thing you want during a live event is a technical glitch that brings your fundraising to a halt.
Check for Key Integrations
Your virtual fundraising platform shouldn't operate in a silo. To save time and keep your data clean, look for platforms that offer seamless integrations with the tools you already use every day. Your donor management system or CRM is the most important one. A solid integration means new donor information and transaction data will flow automatically into your database, eliminating hours of manual data entry and reducing the risk of errors. Also, consider how it connects with your email marketing software and social media accounts. The right integrations create a connected ecosystem that gives you a complete view of your supporters' journey.
Evaluate Their Customer Support
When you’re in the middle of a live virtual event and something goes wrong, you need to know that help is just a phone call or a click away. Customer support is a critical factor when choosing a platform. Before you commit, find out what kind of support they offer. Do they have phone, email, and live chat options? Are they available during your event hours, including evenings and weekends? Look for providers that offer responsive and knowledgeable support to assist you during both planning and execution. A great way to gauge this is by reading reviews from other nonprofits or checking out their customer stories to see what others are saying about their experience.
Plan for Future Growth
The platform you choose today should be able to support you tomorrow. As you select a platform, consider its scalability. Does it meet your current needs while also having the capacity to support your organization’s growth? Think about where you want to be in one, three, or even five years. You might start with a simple virtual gala, but later you may want to explore more complex campaigns like Facebook Challenges or recurring giving programs. Choosing a flexible platform that can evolve with your fundraising strategy will save you the major headache of having to switch providers and migrate all your data down the road.
Set Up Your Platform for Fundraising Success
Choosing the right virtual fundraising platform is a huge step, but the work doesn't stop there. How you set up your platform is just as important as which one you choose. A thoughtful setup ensures a smooth experience for your donors and your team, making it easier to hit your fundraising goals. By focusing on a few key areas, you can create an event that not only runs flawlessly but also inspires generosity and builds lasting connections with your supporters.
Initial Platform Setup
Think of this as creating the blueprint for your event. Before you get into the design details, you need to lock down the fundamentals. This means confirming your event format—is it a live-streamed gala, a webinar, or a peer-to-peer challenge? Once you have a clear vision, you can configure the platform’s basic settings. This is also the time to start reaching out to potential speakers or performers and creating your initial promotional materials. A solid foundation makes every subsequent step much easier and helps you stay organized from start to finish.
Optimize Your Event Page
Your event page is your virtual front door—it needs to be welcoming, informative, and inspiring. Use your nonprofit’s branding to create a consistent and professional look. The page should clearly communicate the event’s purpose and impact, telling a compelling story about why supporters should give. Incorporate engaging elements like personalized videos or a preview of auction items to build excitement. Most importantly, make sure your donation button is prominent and the call to action is crystal clear. Your goal is to make it as easy and appealing as possible for someone to support your mission.
Configure Payment Processing
A clunky donation process is a guaranteed way to lose supporters. Take the time to configure your payment processing so it’s completely seamless. Your platform should offer simple, secure options for donors to give via credit card, digital wallets, or other popular methods. Be transparent about any transaction fees and understand how they impact your bottom line. The ideal checkout experience is quick and requires minimal clicks. By removing friction from the donation process, you ensure that a supporter’s impulse to give is never wasted.
Test Everything Before Launch
Before your event goes live, it’s crucial to test every single component. Do a full run-through with your team to catch any potential glitches. Check that all links work, especially the donation links. Test the live stream quality, practice screen sharing, and make sure any interactive features like polls or Q&As are functioning correctly. Provide your team with simple, step-by-step guidance for making test donations, perhaps using a QR code or a direct link, just as a donor would. A thorough dress rehearsal will give you the confidence that everything will run smoothly on event day.
Leverage Your Marketing Tools
Your platform is set up and tested—now it’s time to get people excited. Most virtual fundraising platforms come with built-in marketing tools to help you spread the word. Use these features to create email campaigns, schedule social media posts, and empower your supporters with peer-to-peer fundraising pages. This is where you can turn your existing social media followers into active participants and donors. By using direct messaging and targeted outreach, you can personally invite your community to join, making them feel valued and connected to your cause long before the event even starts.
Drive Higher Donor Participation
Choosing the right virtual fundraising platform is a huge step, but it’s what you do with it that truly makes a difference. A great platform gives you the tools, but a smart strategy is what fills your virtual seats and inspires people to give. Simply streaming your event isn’t enough; you need to create an experience that makes your supporters feel connected, valued, and part of something special. Driving participation is about turning passive viewers into active participants who are excited to support your cause.
The key is to think beyond the one-time event. Your virtual fundraiser is a powerful opportunity to engage new supporters and deepen your connection with existing ones. By focusing on interaction, strategic promotion, and consistent communication, you can create a memorable event that not only meets its fundraising goals but also builds a stronger, more engaged community for the long haul. Let’s walk through how to make that happen.
Use Interactive Features to Engage Supporters
Your virtual event shouldn't feel like a one-way television broadcast. The best way to keep your audience tuned in is to make them part of the show. Use your platform’s interactive tools to create a dynamic experience. Live polls can get instant feedback on a topic, while a Q&A session with your keynote speaker makes the event feel more personal and unscripted.
Don’t forget to use features like a live chat for attendees to connect with each other and your team. A real-time donation thermometer builds excitement and momentum, and giving on-air shout-outs to donors makes them feel seen and appreciated. The goal is to create shared moments that make your audience feel like they are in the room with you, celebrating your mission together.
Promote Your Event on Social Media
Your social media channels are your most powerful tool for building buzz before your event even starts. Go beyond just posting the registration link. Create a full promotional plan that builds anticipation over time. Share behind-the-scenes sneak peeks of your speakers or performers, post countdowns, and create a unique event hashtag that attendees can use.
This is also a perfect time to leverage the power of social fundraising. Encourage your most passionate supporters to create their own fundraising pages or participate in a Facebook Challenge leading up to the event. This peer-to-peer approach expands your reach far beyond your own followers, bringing new faces and potential donors into your community.
Communicate Before, During, and After
A clear communication plan is essential for a smooth and engaging event. Before the event, send out reminder emails and messages with clear instructions on how to join and what to expect. During the event, use announcements to guide attendees on how to donate, ask questions, or participate in polls.
Your follow-up is just as important. A generic "thank you" email is fine, but a personalized message can make a lasting impression. Use direct messaging to thank attendees personally, share a link to the event recording, and let them know the total amount raised. This personal touch shows your supporters that you see them as individuals, not just numbers on a dashboard.
Use Data to Inform Your Strategy
Your virtual event platform will provide a wealth of data—don't let it go to waste. Pay attention to more than just the final donation total. Look at when donations peaked. Was it during a specific speaker or a compelling video? Track which promotional channels drove the most registrations. Analyze which interactive features saw the most use.
This information is your roadmap for improvement. It tells you exactly what resonated with your audience and what fell flat. Use these insights to refine your strategy for your next event, from your marketing messages to your run-of-show. This data-driven approach ensures that each event you host is more successful than the last.
Build Relationships Beyond the Event
The end of your virtual event is the beginning of a new chapter with your supporters. You’ve captured their attention; now it’s time to nurture that connection. Add your new donors to a dedicated welcome series that introduces them to your work and shows them the impact of their gift. Don’t just reach out when you need to ask for money.
Share stories, celebrate milestones, and invite them to engage in non-financial ways, like volunteering or sharing a social media post. By building a genuine, ongoing conversation, you can turn one-time event attendees into lifelong advocates for your cause. See how other nonprofits have successfully built these lasting relationships to keep your momentum going.
Keep Your Fundraising Secure and Compliant
When you ask someone for a donation, you’re also asking for their trust. Handling their financial and personal information with the utmost care is non-negotiable. A security breach can do more than just cause a technical headache; it can permanently damage your reputation and your relationship with supporters. This is why security and compliance should be at the top of your checklist when evaluating any virtual fundraising platform.
The right platform will have robust, built-in features to protect you and your donors from risk. It’s not just about ticking boxes—it’s about creating a safe environment where supporters feel confident giving to your cause. Think of your platform as your partner in stewardship. It should handle the complex security and compliance requirements so you can focus on what you do best: connecting with your community and advancing your mission. Let’s walk through the key areas you need to examine.
Secure Payment Processing
This is the absolute foundation of trust in online fundraising. When a donor decides to give, they need to feel certain that their credit card information is safe. Your chosen platform must offer secure payment processing that protects sensitive financial data from the moment it’s entered. Look for platforms that are PCI compliant, as this is the industry standard for securing credit card transactions. This ensures that every donation is handled through a secure, encrypted connection, giving your supporters peace of mind and protecting your organization from liability. A reliable payment processor is a non-negotiable feature.
Protecting Donor Data
Beyond payment details, your platform will collect and store a wealth of personal information about your supporters, including names, addresses, and email contacts. Protecting this donor data is critical for maintaining long-term relationships. A single data breach can erode years of trust you’ve worked hard to build. Your fundraising platform should implement strong security measures like data encryption and secure cloud storage to keep this information safe from unauthorized access. When you show donors you’re committed to protecting their data, you reinforce that you’re an organization worthy of their continued support.
Upholding Privacy Standards
In an increasingly connected world, respecting donor privacy is paramount. Your supporters want to know how their personal information is being used and that they have control over it. It’s essential to choose a platform that adheres to major privacy regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). Even if your nonprofit doesn’t operate in these regions, these laws represent the gold standard for data privacy. A platform that meets these standards demonstrates a commitment to ethical data handling, which builds confidence and shows your supporters you value their privacy as much as their donations.
Meeting Compliance Requirements
As a nonprofit, you operate under specific financial regulations and reporting requirements. Your fundraising platform should make it easier, not harder, to stay compliant. This means providing clear, transparent reporting on all donations, fees, and transactions. Be sure to understand the platform’s fee structure completely to avoid any surprises that could complicate your accounting. A platform that offers detailed financial reports and integrates with your accounting software can save you countless hours and ensure you have the documentation needed for audits and financial reviews. This level of financial transparency is key to maintaining your organization’s integrity.
Your Virtual Event Management Checklist
A successful virtual event doesn’t just happen—it’s the result of careful planning and execution. Think of it like a roadmap: you need to know where you’re going before you start, what to do when you get there, and how to follow up afterward. Breaking down your event management into distinct phases makes the entire process feel more manageable and ensures you don’t miss any critical steps. This checklist covers the entire event lifecycle, from initial preparations to post-event analysis, helping you create an experience that engages supporters and inspires them to give.
Before the Event: Prepare for Success
Your pre-event work sets the stage for everything to come. Engagement is the key to a successful virtual fundraiser, so start by building a solid foundation. First, select a platform that fits your event's needs and budget. Once that’s locked in, confirm the format—will it be a gala, a workshop, or a peer-to-peer challenge? From there, you can reach out to potential speakers or performers who align with your mission.
With the core details in place, it’s time to create your promotional materials and start spreading the word. Develop a clear marketing plan to reach your audience through email, social media, and other channels. This is also the time to solicit sponsorships from community partners to help cover costs and increase your fundraising potential.
During the Event: Keep Things Running Smoothly
On event day, your focus should shift to creating a seamless and engaging experience for your attendees. Kick things off by letting everyone know how they can participate, whether it’s using the chat feature, joining breakout rooms, or answering live polls. Have a team member dedicated to monitoring the chat to answer questions and foster conversation.
Make giving as easy as possible. Throughout the event, provide simple, step-by-step guidance for making donations, including direct links to your donation page. For events that include auctions, mobile bidding tools are a must-have to keep the energy high and the bids flowing. A clear and repeated call to action ensures that your fundraising goals stay front and center without disrupting the attendee experience.
After the Event: Follow Up and Say Thanks
The event might be over, but your work isn’t done. Prompt and personal follow-up is crucial for retaining donors and building lasting relationships. Send a thank-you message to every attendee, donor, sponsor, and volunteer within 24 hours. Share a recap of the event’s success, including how much was raised and the impact it will have on your mission.
This is your chance to continue the conversation. You can use automated direct messaging to send personalized follow-ups and invite attendees to stay connected with your organization. Consider sending a post-event survey to gather feedback on what worked well and what could be improved. This information is invaluable for making your next virtual event even better.
Measure Your Performance and Plan for Next Time
Once the dust has settled, it’s time to review your performance. Dig into your platform’s analytics to track key metrics like attendance, donation totals, average gift size, and audience engagement. Compare these results against the goals you set during the planning phase. What were your biggest successes? Where are the opportunities for growth?
Use this data to create a comprehensive post-event report for your team and stakeholders. For more than a decade, leading platforms have been built on feedback from thousands of nonprofits, and you should adopt the same mindset. Use your findings to refine your strategy, identify what resonates with your supporters, and lay the groundwork for your next successful virtual fundraising campaign.
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Frequently Asked Questions
My nonprofit is small with a limited budget. Are these platforms still a good fit for us? Absolutely. Many modern platforms are designed to be accessible for organizations of all sizes. Some offer donor-covered fee models, which means you pay very little out of pocket. Instead of focusing only on the price, think about the return. A good platform saves your team countless hours on administrative tasks and can help you reach a much wider audience, which often means the tool pays for itself through increased donations and supporter engagement.
How is a relationship-building platform different from a standard virtual event tool? Think of it as the difference between a venue and a community manager. A standard virtual event tool gives you the space to host your event—it handles the streaming, ticketing, and basic logistics. A relationship-building platform is focused on the entire supporter journey. It helps you connect with people before the event through channels like social media DMs, keeps them engaged during the fundraiser, and continues the conversation long after, turning one-time attendees into long-term supporters.
What's the biggest mistake nonprofits make when using a virtual fundraising platform? The most common mistake is treating the platform like a magic wand. A great platform is a powerful tool, but it can't replace a thoughtful strategy. Success comes from actively engaging your audience before, during, and after the event. Simply setting up a page and hoping people show up and donate rarely works. You have to create a compelling experience and communicate clearly to make your supporters feel connected to your mission.
Can I use these platforms for more than just a single annual gala? Yes, and you absolutely should. The most successful nonprofits use their platforms year-round. You can host smaller, more frequent events like webinars or Q&A sessions with your leadership. They are also perfect for running peer-to-peer campaigns, giving day challenges, and ongoing fundraising initiatives. Using your platform consistently keeps your community engaged and makes it a central hub for giving, not just a tool you dust off once a year.
How do I make sure my virtual event doesn't feel impersonal or boring? The key is interaction. Don't let your event feel like a one-way broadcast. Use the platform’s built-in features like live chat, Q&A sessions, and real-time polls to bring your audience into the conversation. Acknowledge donors by name as they give and have your team active in the chat to answer questions and create a welcoming atmosphere. When you make your supporters feel seen and heard, you transform a passive viewing experience into a memorable community gathering.
